UN official: Gaza’s rubble clearing could take over 7 years

GAZA, Jan. 16 (YPA) – A senior United Nations official affirmed that removing the rubble in Gaza could take more than seven years, as the territory faces over 60 million tons of debris following more than two years of sustained Israeli attacks.

Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), made the remarks in a statement after visiting Gaza on Thursday.

“I have just returned from Gaza, where the humanitarian crisis is worsening. People are exhausted, traumatized, and living in despair,” he said.

Da Silva noted that ongoing harsh winter conditions and heavy rainfall have further compounded the suffering and despair of the population.

He stressed that the urgent recovery of two million people in the areas destroyed by Israeli attacks, and the restoration of basic services, will require safe shelter, fuel, and debris removal.

He highlighted the scale of the rubble, estimating it is equivalent to the cargo of around 3,000 container ships.

“Today, every person in Gaza is surrounded by an average of 30 tons of debris. Clearing this will likely take more than seven years,” he said.

Describing the destruction as unbelievable, the UN official said, “Homes, schools, clinics, roads, and water and electricity networks have all been destroyed.”

Da Silva also emphasized the impact on children, noting that, “Daily life for children is fraught with loss and trauma. Children who have been out of school for three years are at risk of becoming a lost generation.”

Preliminary estimates indicate that Gaza still contains roughly 20,000 unexploded ordnance, bombs and rockets dropped by Israeli forces, posing a major threat to civilians and aid workers. These remnants require careful engineering and safety measures before any debris removal can begin.

@E.Y.M